See how that looks with context on down and distance, formation and look?

What you're basically doing wrong is looking at the play after the fact. In other words, 1st and 10, with our base run stopping DL, one or two RBs in the backfield, Romo works play action and ends up keeping and passing. How/why would you count that against our pass rush?

Well that may work for a few plays but the defense knew that Dallas was going to be passing on almost every single play. They ran what 15 run plays and at least 10 of them were in the first half. Look we can agree to disagree and I hope to hell that I am wrong but Denver's pass rush with 4 guys isn't very good. I hope that Von fixes that but I have my doubts until I see it CONSISTENTLY.

In both my responses above I talked about half our starters including Ayers not playing in the 2nd half so yes in the 2nd half without our key players, our pass rush was weak because it featured a 2nd/3rd string defense at key positions.

But you just left that part out and just cut out sections to suit yourself.

Well that may work for a few plays but the defense knew that Dallas was going to be passing on almost every single play.

Maybe in the 2nd half yes, but in the first Dallas was still playing a balanced O working off play action, rollouts and one/two back sets. By the 2nd half when it was clearly a shootout, it was too late because our best pass rusher (Ayers) and our best blitzer were both out (Woodyard). Romo had a great individual game buying time in the pocket for at least 4-5 plays in the first half alone so I give him credit for that. We won't be facing that kind of QB every week.

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They ran what 15 run plays and at least 10 of them were in the first half. Look we can agree to disagree and I hope to hell that I am wrong but Denver's pass rush with 4 guys isn't very good. I hope that Von fixes that but I have my doubts until I see it CONSISTENTLY.

Well that depends on which 4 guys you mean? Our run base DL with Knighton/Vickerson or Unrein inside isn't going to generate pass rush on 1st downs especially against play action/screens/rollouts because the DL is playing run and/or reading pass. It is what it is.

But yes, on passing downs/situation our pass rush generally has been good enough with guys like Jackson/Ayers/Phillips.

Phillips and Ayers, each, have more QB hits/pressures/sacks than Dumervil did at this point last season after 5 games.

The biggest difference (as you say) is that we haven't come close to replacing Von. We've tried with multiple looks using Irving, Ihenacho, Harris etc to blitz etc but that's never going to replace a stud pass rusher.

Once Von comes back the hope is he can take up where he left off then we've got that edge and finisher in our pass rush.

So how would you diagnose our defensive issues on Dallas' first two drives of the game where they drove for TD's? Before Woodyard, Harris, or Ayers were hurt?

The second TD drive was a result of a fumble by Decker, giving Dallas the football at the Bronco 45. So the defense had been on the field for close to seven minutes the first drive, got 1:30 worth of rest, and then had to go right back out there. So in the first 11 1/2 minutes of the game, Dallas had 10 of it.

Plus, it was a shootout. No one can exactly look at either defense and point out superior play for either. Not entirely sure why you keep picking at it, either. Our defense got shredded...which happens in a shoot out. We lost Ayers, Harris and Woodyard for large chunks of the game. We were missing Von and Champ. So tell me, how many defenses can stand to lose 5 starters and present a viable unit? Did you really expect Bolden or Robinson to be sufficient replacements for Harris or Woodyard?

And on top of all that, our defense was the one that made the plays that ultimately won the game for Denver.

So...chill out. If Denver is giving up 48 points later on this season you may have a point, but we wont know until all of our starters are playing together.

It would appear that Matt Bowen agrees with those who think the pass rush was an issue.

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Tony Romo lit up the Broncos defense on Sunday, and it started with the lack of pressure up front from the Denver defensive line. Romo had too much time to manage the pocket, extend plays and allow his receivers to convert routes. And in the red zone, that is a nightmare for defensive backs.

I broke down Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense on Wednesday. Thatís a top-tier unit right now. But without the skill set (and speed) of Miller as an edge-rusher, this defense really struggled to contain and collapse the pocket versus the Cowboys.

I know you're being descriptive and honest about your post and post history, but you shouldn't sell your contributions short in anyway. Easily a top 5 contributor (with ACTUAL contributions) while most repeat media-buzzwords out of context that they don't understand.

Hey, always good to talk football.

I'm just excited because this could really be the year for us.
- Patriots down Wilfork/Hernandez and not near the level on O as last year
- Schaub dragging down Houston
- Steelers completely out of contention
- Baltimore struggling as well

I really think this could be the year where Denver has a clean path to the championship.

The usual AFC contenders are out and the only team that could stand in our way is Indy.

Really, the ONLY serious threat to Denver, is well Denver itself in the form of injuries (especially to our starters) and we've had more than our fair share already.